Today was a very full and exciting day. We started our morning by doing the anatomage. The other Pitt nursing students were able to use this during their anatomy labs, but the Greensburg campus does not have one available. Instead of using the anatomage, we learned the organs of the body through pig dissections back home. Even though I already had some anatomy experience, it was amazing to finally see the anatomage in person because it allowed us to look at the human body in such a detailed and realistic way.
One of the most interesting parts was studying fetal development. We were able to look at fetuses in different developmental stages and observe how they changed over time. We also examined the mother during labor and delivery, including the placenta. It was fascinating to see everything from different angles and layers because it made the entire process feel much more real than simply reading about it in a textbook. Being able to visualize the anatomy in this way helped me better understand pregnancy and childbirth and gave me a greater appreciation for how complex the human body truly is.
After this experience, we attended the BCU nursing conference. The conference began with an introduction from the chair, who was incredibly welcoming and kind. She immediately helped ease everyone’s stress and nervousness about presenting later in the day. Since public speaking can be intimidating, especially in another country, it was comforting to hear her encouragement. We then listened to a welcome speech from Rakhee before moving into the first presentations of the day.
Next, we heard from a nurse who had served in the military for several years. I found her presentation especially interesting because serving as a military nurse is something I have considered doing in the future, even if only for a short period of time. She spoke about the challenges and rewards of nursing in the military and shared experiences that highlighted the importance of adaptability, leadership, and resilience. Hearing her perspective made me think more seriously about the opportunities that nursing can provide outside of a traditional hospital setting.
We also had the opportunity to meet some of the heads of the nursing department, including Dr. Shona Green, who is the head of the department and adult nursing. She thought it was wonderful that we were studying abroad because she had previously taken students to Japan and understood how valuable international learning experiences can be. It was nice hearing her talk about how much she appreciated cultural exchange and the opportunities that come with learning healthcare practices in different countries.
Our first keynote speaker was Nikki Brockie, who gave an inspiring presentation about the importance of nurses using their voices to create change. One point she emphasized was that nurses are consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions, but public trust has slightly decreased in recent years. She encouraged us to remember how important our interactions with patients are because every experience can shape how people view healthcare professionals. She also discussed this year’s International Nurses Day theme, which focused on empowering nurses. One example she gave was how, during COVID-19, surgeries and operations were often canceled even when staff members were available, which contributed to frustration and burnout within healthcare. Her speech reminded me that nurses have the ability to advocate for both patients and themselves and that our voices truly matter.
After a short break, our professor, Dr. Marks, gave a presentation on implicit bias. This is a topic we had already discussed back home, but hearing it again reinforced how common bias can be in healthcare and everyday life. She reminded us that as nurses, we must constantly reflect on our own assumptions and ensure that we are treating every patient fairly and respectfully. It was an important reminder that providing quality healthcare means looking beyond stereotypes and recognizing each patient as an individual.
Later, we listened to a panel of nursing and midwifery students who answered questions about why they chose their professions and what their experiences had been like. I enjoyed hearing their different perspectives because it showed how diverse nursing journeys can be. Some students spoke about personal experiences that inspired them to pursue healthcare, while others talked about wanting to help and advocate for people during vulnerable moments in their lives.
Finally, it was time for the student presentations. My group was presenting last, so I had to sit through everyone else’s presentations before it was finally our turn. Even though waiting made me nervous, I was proud of how our presentation went. Our group focused on how socioeconomic status impacts healthcare. Specifically, I researched low-income LGBTQ+ adults in the United States compared to the United Kingdom. I discussed barriers such as discrimination, lack of access to specialized care, financial challenges, and mental health disparities. It felt rewarding to present on a topic that is so important and relevant to healthcare today.
After the conference ended, we all went to dinner together. I ordered BBQ wings, a burger with chips, and a s’mores brownie dessert. It was the perfect way to relax after such a busy and eventful day. Overall, today was both educational and inspiring, and it reminded me how many different opportunities and responsibilities come with being a nurse.